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APOL1 Renal Risk Variants and Sickle Cell Trait Associations With Reduced Kidney Function in a Large Congolese

Mannix Imani Masimango1,2, Michel Jadoul2, Elizabeth A Binns-Roemer3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Kidney International Reports
|March 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variants in APOL1 and sickle cell trait (SCT) are linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. APOL1 high-risk genotypes and SCT significantly impact kidney function and increase CKD risk.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Nephrology
  • Population Health

Background:

  • APOL1, GSTM1 risk variants, and sickle cell trait (SCT) are associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in African Americans.
  • Evidence linking these genetic factors to CKD in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) populations is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the prevalence of APOL1 risk variants, GSTM1 genotypes, and SCT in South-Kivu, DR Congo.
  • To assess the association of these variants with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albuminuria, and CKD in urban and rural adults.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 1317 adults from urban and rural South-Kivu, DR Congo.
  • Evaluation of APOL1 (high-risk vs. low-risk genotypes), SCT carriage, and GSTM1 (active vs. null) genotypes.
  • Analysis of associations with eGFR, albuminuria, and CKD prevalence.

Main Results:

  • APOL1 high-risk genotype frequency was 3.2%, SCT 3.8%, and GSTM1 null allele 51.2%.
  • APOL1 high-risk genotype was associated with lower eGFR (OR=4).
  • SCT was linked to lower eGFR, higher albuminuria, and increased CKD risk (2.4x).
  • APOL1 high-risk and SCT showed synergistic effects on reduced eGFR.

Conclusions:

  • APOL1 variants and SCT significantly impact renal outcomes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Findings underscore the importance of genetic factors in CKD pathogenesis in SSA.
  • Further genetic studies in SSA populations are warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
APOL1DR CongoGSTM1SCTprevalencerenal risk

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